3rd place Awardee

Fengyi Sun
Research Assistant and Master’s Degree Candidate inEnvironmental Engineering, Kyoto University.
Specializing in environmental economics and riskmanagement, my work focuses on assessing impact ofenvironmental disasters and poverty under climatechangeDevelopment of a Natech Social Vulnerability Index: a Comprehensive
Multi-Hazard Risk Assessment for a Case Study in Colombia

Abstract

Our study introduces a novel methodology for assessing social vulnerabilities toNatech (natural disaster-triggered technological accidents), focusing on
Colombia as a case study. We developed a Natech social vulnerability index byanalyzing various Natech scenarios and their interconnected hazards. The
methodology was tested using Colombia's landslide-triggered pipeline accidents,
where distinct hazards and their impact on social vulnerability were identified
and quantified using composite indicators. These indicators were thenintegrated into a Geological Information System (GIS) using StructuralEquation Modelling (SEM) for analysis. Our findings align with previousstudies but also highlight some ambiguities in the model. The researchconcludes with policy recommendations for the Colombian government andfuture research directions, marking a significant contribution to the study ofsocial vulnerability in multi-hazard contexts like Natech

2nd place Awardee

Sofia A.
Kalogeromitrou
Architect Engineer NTUA, MSc in
Environmental, Disaster and Crises
Management Strategies

Dwelling After Disaster: Design and Improvisation in Transitional Shelter

Abstract

This research delves into the dynamic relationship between formal design anduser interventions, referred to as "spatial improvisation," in post-disastertransitional housing. Bridging a research gap, it explores how beneficiaries
interact with designed spaces, offering insights into the interplay between
formal design and spatial improvisation.
The study starts with an extensive literature review on disaster impacts andhousing strategies, drawing insights from diverse case studies, including
Turkey's 1999 earthquake, Japan's 2011 earthquake/tsunami/Natech disaster andJordan's 2012 refugee influx. Additionally, two Greek paradigms contribute
through interviews and visual documentation. The findings unveil recurring
spatial improvisation types, leading to a typology reflecting pre-disasterdwelling characteristics of the community and its space.
The significance of this work extends to its potential implications for policy andpractice, by deciphering community needs through spatial footprints andadvocating for architect involvement in disaster management, while stressing
the importance of recording housing operations for academic and operational
purposes. In essence, the study addresses the gap in understanding beneficiaryspace interaction in transitional housing through a multi-method approach bydeveloping a typology of spatial improvisations in transitional housing.

1st place Awardee

Becky
Richardson

Doctoral Researcher, Disaster Risk Reductionand Development, Northumbria University,
UK
Child-Centred Disaster Risk Reduction: children’s narratives of lived
experiences through arts-based methods in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Children's exposure and vulnerability to local hazards, influenced by socio-economic
factors, is often overlooked due to ‘adultcentrism’ in DRR, impacting their health andwellbeing. An inclusive ‘whole of society’ approach, valuing children's perspectives,
leads to risk-informed decisions and enhances resilience. Despite the United Nations
Convention on the Rights of a Child (UNCRC 1989) advocating their right to be heard,children’s voices are rarely reflected in policy. This research explores the effectivenessof a child-centred approach in understanding the risk environment and improving
health and wellbeing of children in a Nairobi informal settlement.
The hazards and risks in this context are understood through participatory methods
with 36 children aged 10-14. Hazards such as open sewage, poor sanitation, andinadequate infrastructure in their schools and neighbourhoods are frequently
withstood. To comprehend these risks, child-centred arts-based activities wereconducted, enabling the children to express their lived experiences through creativity,propose solutions, and identify their support networks for risk communication. The
children engaged in various activities such as drawing, deep mapping, body mapping,walking interviews, modelling, and storytelling, which facilitated engagement,balanced power dynamics, and fostered ownership.
Initial results from this research emphasise the considerable hazards and risks
affecting children's health and wellbeing in their schools and neighbourhoods. The
effectiveness of child-led methods is confirmed through the output of detailed,authentic narratives expressed through storytelling and art. These narratives have led
to insightful themes, encapsulating ideas such as 'children are experts in their own
lives' and 'dynamics of adult-child relationships’. Further examination of the collected
data on risk narratives and communication networks is planned. It is expected thatthese analyse will reveal a unique perspective of children’s risk perception, differingfrom prevailing views, and highlight the complexity of existing communication
pathways for children’s voices to be heard and actioned for DRR.

Zoom
https://kyoto-uedu.zoom.us/j/87258723335?pwd=2oUYXZyPORdg3KpN
3QCRybH8pVy4jB.1
Meeting ID: 872 5872 3335
Passcode: 149039

TimeTime ZoneTime

UTC / GMT

9:00 AM

CET

10:00 AM

EET

11:00 AM

IST

14:00 PMJST

18:00 PM